Open Home, Open Heart

Nearly a week after volunteers and staff of the Dream Center welcomed 250 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina, those survivors are speaking out about the blessings they have experienced. "This truly is a dream come true," says Stevie," one of the new residents. "I thank God for what the Dream Center has done for me and my children." The Dream Center has ministered the love of Christ to the evacuees in some tangible ways, offering them housing, clothing, food, medical care -- as well as spiritual encouragement.

Jan Crouch, co-founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, which gave $100,000 to the Dream Center's Katrina relief effort, explains that ministering to people in need is the same as ministering to Christ Himself. "We're reminded that when we reach out and touch people in their time of need, we're actually touching the Lord," she says. "We have no other motive than to do the workvof the gospel."

Following the hurricane that devastated New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Dream Center founders Tommy and Matthew Barnett quickly began making plans to host up to 300 individuals at the massive care and ministry center near downtown Los Angeles. Even as the first evacuees arrived, God was providing the means to meet the needs. In addition to TBN's generous gift, resources have been coming in from concerned individuals, churches, and organizations from around the world. "This has been a real step of faith," says Matthew. " But we knew we didn't want to miss an opportunity that God was placing before us, and He has met our need every step of the way." God has used the Dream Center to bless the lives of the Katrina victims who have arrived over the last several days. Elaine, who traveled from New Orleans, says the Dream Center has been like "spiritual food" for her. "The people here are so nice," she says. "They just love on you, they're like family."

Shortly after Elaine's arrival, Dream Center staff helped her become established in the nearby community with her own home, furniture, clothing, and food. That staff will keep in touch with Elaine to make sure her needs continue to be met in the weeks and months ahead. Another evacuee from New Orleans, who hadn't stepped inside a church in 47 years, says he has been "blown away" by the love he has experienced since coming to the Dream Center. "I never knew people like this existed in the world," he says. "I really feel God has something in store for me and I am going to stay here at the Dream Center and find out what it is."

Jan Crouch explains that while the worldwide response to the Dream Center's outreach has been phenomenal, the need for continued resources is great. "We have to remember that the Dream Center has taken on this relief effort on top of the incredible ministry they've already been doing everyday for years," she says. "I want to encourage all of TBN's partners -- and all the other wonderful people who have given to the Dream Center -- to keep giving. Let's make it our special project, partnering with God in this unique need." To donate to the Dream Center's Katrina emergency relief effort, log on now to _www.dreamcenter.org_ (http://www.dreamcenter.org/) , or call 213-273-7000. You can also mail your donation to: The Dream Center, 2301 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026. Mark your check "New Orleans Emergency Fund." Trinity Broadcasting Network is the world largest religious network and America's most watched faith Channel For more information visit _www.tbn.org_(http://www.tbn.org/) .